The warring factions -- the Dera Sacha Sauda, Sikh organisations, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committtee (SGPC) -- have appealed to the people for maintaining peace and communal harmony.

The clashes in Dabwali broke out after an altercation during morning prayers of Dera supporters.

Meanwhile, Sikhs owning allegiance to Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Sabha maintained that they would perform the last rites of the deceased, Harmandar Singh, only if the Dera chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh is arrested.

In neighbouring Punjab, the situation in Bathinda, Muktsar, Moga and Malout was tense but under control, officials said.